Health disparities prevent the full integration of individuals with disabilities into society. The unprecedented rate of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual/ developmental disabilities (IDD) aging into adult services accentuates these health disparities due, in part, to a healthcare workforce that lacks adequate training and experience caring for those with ASD/IDD. Modeled after Teach for America, Pathways to Inclusive Health Care (PIHC) will create a pipeline of healthcare professionals motivated and equipped to provide patient-centered, quality healthcare to this population.
The PIHC program is housed within the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center at UMass Chan Medical School. The Shriver Center has been a pioneer in IDD research, training, and service for five decades. PIHC is an innovative program that trains future healthcare professionals to work with disabled populations. Targeting pre-medical, dental, nurse practitioner and other pre-health professions students, PIHC seeks to recruit recent college graduates (called Interns) to a year-long program to work as Direct Service Professionals with individuals with ASD/IDD in practicum sites, such as day habilitation programs and community-based habilitation field sites. Interns will pursue a certificate program in a related field through weekly seminars, coursework, and field trips. Interns will receive weekly mentoring on their experiences and future professional education plans. Upon completion of the program, Scholars will receive a certificate of completion from UMass Chan Medical School.
Pathways to Inclusive Health Care Program (PIHC) is an innovative program that trains future healthcare professionals to work with disabled populations.
The PIHC application cycle for the September 2025 –June 2026 academic year is closed.
The PIHC application cycle for AY 2026-2027 will begin mid-January, 2026. Those interested in the program are encouraged to apply early. The deadline to submit applications occurs when the program is full.
For more information on Pathways to Inclusive Health Care please contact:
Pathways to Inclusive Health Care Scholarship Program
Attn: Susan Swanson, MA, CCC-SLP, PIHC Program Director
Email: susan.swanson@umassmed.edu
E.K. Shriver Center, UMass Chan Medical School
55 Lake Avenue North, Worcester, MA 01655